Veteran Nollywood actor Ganiu Nafiu, known as Alapini, has publicly expressed deep regret over his fervent support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign. Alapini, along with a significant number of Yoruba film actors, actively campaigned for Tinubu under the banner of the Renewed Hope movement. They invested considerable time and effort, driven by a long-held admiration for Tinubu and the belief that his presidency would benefit the acting community. However, their hopes have since been dashed by what they perceive as neglect and a lack of recognition from the ruling party since Tinubu’s electoral victory. Their initial enthusiasm and anticipation have been replaced by disappointment and a sense of betrayal. The actors feel their loyalty and dedication have been overlooked, leaving them questioning the value of their political involvement.
Alapini, in a candid interview, revealed the extent of their commitment, stating that they spent two months tirelessly campaigning for Tinubu. He emphasized the personal sacrifices involved, including enduring public criticism and online backlash for their open support. The actor recounted how they canvassed across various locations, even venturing into challenging territories where others were hesitant to go. Despite these efforts, Alapini claims that they received no tangible reward or acknowledgement from the Tinubu administration, leaving them feeling undervalued and disillusioned. He contrasted their experience with Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic activities, particularly his focus on Northern Nigeria, questioning why similar efforts weren’t being directed towards the Yoruba communities that had so vocally supported his father’s campaign.
The actor’s frustration was palpable as he questioned the apparent disregard for their contribution. He challenged Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, directly, asking whether he had failed to notice the presence of numerous veteran actors during the campaign. Alapini pointedly emphasized the age and status of the actors involved, implying that their contributions should have been readily apparent and deserving of recognition. He highlighted the stark contrast between their active participation and the subsequent lack of engagement from the ruling party, further fueling his feelings of disappointment. The actor expressed a sense of bewilderment, wondering if perhaps the Tinubu administration was simply too preoccupied to consider reciprocating the support they had received.
The veteran actor also addressed the widely publicized incident involving fellow actor Olaiya Igwe, who stripped naked at a beach to pray for Tinubu’s victory. Alapini clarified that, contrary to rumors, Igwe received no car or other significant reward for his dramatic act of support. He also highlighted the negative consequences Igwe faced, noting the persistent online criticism and curses directed at him following the incident. Alapini’s account underscored the extent to which actors like Igwe had publicly committed themselves to Tinubu’s campaign, often facing significant personal and professional backlash. The actor’s recounting of these experiences paints a picture of unwavering support met with apparent indifference from the beneficiaries of that support.
Alapini’s disillusionment extended to the prospect of future political engagement. When asked about participating in Tinubu’s potential re-election campaign in 2027, he expressed deep reservation. The actor’s hesitation reflected a profound shift in his perspective, suggesting that his previous enthusiasm for Tinubu had been significantly eroded by the perceived neglect. His comments hinted at a potential reversal of his political stance, suggesting that his support might transform into active opposition. Alapini’s disillusionment serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unfulfilled political promises and the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of supporters.
The actor’s public expression of regret encapsulates the sentiment of a group of Yoruba actors who feel overlooked and undervalued by the political figure they once championed. Alapini’s statements reveal a sense of betrayal and disappointment, stemming from the perceived lack of reciprocity from the Tinubu administration. His remarks underscore the complex relationship between political figures and their supporters, particularly within the entertainment industry, where public endorsements can carry significant weight. The actor’s disillusionment serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of those who actively participate in political campaigns. His story highlights the potential for unmet expectations to erode trust and transform fervent supporters into disillusioned critics.
